The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice

By Carolyn McVickar Edwards

Book Overview

A collection of twelve traditional tales from around the world that honor the "return of the light" that takes place on the winter solstice

The winter solstice, the day the "sun stands still," marks the longest night and the shortest day of the year, and it comes either on December 20th or 21st. Celebrations honoring the winter solstice as a moment of transition and renewal date back thousands of years and occur among many peoples on every continent. The Return of the Light makes an ideal companion for everyone who carries on this tradition, no matter what their faith. Storyteller Carolyn McVickar Edwards retells twelve traditional tales-from North America, China, Scandinavia, India, Africa, South America, Europe, and Polynesia-that honor this magical moment. These are stories that will renew our wonder of the miracle of rebirth and the power of transition from darkness into light.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1569243603
• ISBN13: 9781569243602
• Release Date: November 2005
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.0" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

Excellent Condition, Super Fast Delivery

I've only skimmed through the book so far, but I am very intrigued by her clever use of language and I look forward to reading this one.

excellent intro

The introduction to this book is one of the best explanations of Solstice customs and celebrations I've ever come across. The stories themselves are an acquired taste imho, but that is the nature of these old stories.

solstice celebrations

I read the twelfth tale for our library solstice celebration; people said they had never known the tale and liked it very much. I enjoyed performing the dramatic bits of this tale to the delight of the "children" in the audience.

Wonderful stories

What a wonderful collection of short stories - really great to read and put down, come back later for more. The stories are from around the world which I particularly liked. All are very well written, easy to get into, leave you with things to think about. Here are the titles of the stories:Part 1: Theft - Why Hummingbird has a red throat- The golden earring- Raven steals the light- The sun cow and the theifPart 2: Surrender...

Tales and Ritual Ideas to Enrich the Yuletide Season

I love this little volume of Winter Solstice tales from diverse cultures around the world. I believe that exploring the rich symbolism of the Yuletide season helps to make this joyful time of year come more fully to life. These clever stories are sure to further your understanding of the meanings of the holiday celebrations you have enjoyed all your life, adding new dimension to your future celebrations. They offer an opportunity...